Accra, Nov. 8, GNA - Defence Minister, Lieutenant General Joseph Henry Smith hasstated that Ghana's current oil discovery called for a well resourced navy to ensure that the country's maritime interest was protected because the commodity could be a source of conflict and other security concerns.

He noted that even though the discovery had the potential of accelerating industrial and economic growth, the influx of foreign oil companies into the country had= the potential to attract anti-western sentiments and terrorists.

Speaking at the weekend at the Ghana Navy's 50 Anniversary Ball in= Accra, Lt. Gen. Smith said criminal activities like illegal bunkering and stealing of oil= could also threaten the industry and deplete and destroy other resources in the country's maritime domain.

He said that the nation loses several millions of dollars to unscrupulous fishing activities,

adding, "Until the nation is able to appropriately equip the Ghana Navy w= ith the requisite

platforms to establish presence at sea, Ghana will continue to lose out t= ill there will be no

maritime resources". The Minister noted that whilst the size and fortunes of the Navy, li= ke several other national

institutions had dwindled over the past 50 years, the maritime challenges=

confronting the

country had become more diverse and complex. Thus, government, he said had started serious overtures to resource the Navy to meet

current challenges in the maritime industry. The Minister announced that the Department of Fisheries was in the process of acquiring

two 46-meter boats from China for the Navy for fisheries protection, whil= e government had

also signed a agreement with China to build two additional 46-meter boats=

specifically for the

Ghana Navy for maritime protection. Lt. Gen. Smith exhorted the Navy to continue to discharge its roles effectively and

efficiently in highly professional manners. He said that government would not relent on its efforts to revamp th= e navy to enable it to

discharge its roles of ensuring maritime integrity of Ghana and addressin= g other challenges in

the maritime environment. Lt. Gen. Smith called on other government agencies to collaborate wi= th the Navy to

enhance its capability to control the maritime environment. The Ghana Navy started the celebration of its 50th anniversary on October 16, 2009 with

activities marking the vent including route marches, open day, ceremonial=

parade; civic

activities add maritime security lectures among others. The celebration highlighted the successes and challenges of the Ghan= a navy over the past

50 years. The Anniversary ball that was the last activity to round off the celebration was to reward

the support of sponsors of the programmes marking the celebrations and to=

honour for naval

chiefs.